CELEBRATING YALDA NIGHT, A CHERISHED AFGHAN TRADITION

Yalda Night, also referred to as Chelleh Night, is a revered festival steeped in ancient customs, celebrated across regions including Iran, Iraqi Kurdistan, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, and Turkey during the winter solstice, typically falling on the night of December 20/21. This festival holds profound cultural significance, marking the transition from the last day of the ninth month (Qaws) to the first day of the tenth month (Jadi) in the Persian solar calendar.

In areas deeply influenced by Persian culture, such as Azerbaijan, Iraqi Kurdistan, Balochi regions, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan, families and friends unite on this longest and darkest night of the year. They participate in communal activities like feasting, reciting poetry, and reading ancient texts, notably the works of Hafez and the Shahnameh, well into the late hours. The night is adorned with a variety of fruits and nuts, with special importance given to pomegranates and watermelons due to their red hues, symbolizing the colors of dawn and vitality. This cultural celebration has gained such significance that it was officially recognized as a national treasure in Iran in 2008.

Modern celebrations involve elaborate dinners featuring an assortment of fruits, including watermelons, pomegranates, nuts, and dried fruits. Superstitions abound, such as consuming watermelons to protect against summer ailments or eating garlic to alleviate joint pain. Another cherished tradition is “Fale Hafez,” where divination using Hafez’s poetry guides individuals’ fortunes.

The term “Chelleh” stems from the forty-day period marking the onset of winter. “Yalda,” borrowed from

Syriac-speaking Christians, translates to “birthday.” This phrase became a part of Persian culture, signifying the sun’s birth and the arrival of winter. While the festival’s origins trace back to ancient Iran, its evolution intertwines with Christian practices, bridging diverse religious and cultural traditions.

Historically, Yalda Night was a sacred event integrated into the ancient Iranian calendar during the rule of Darius I in 502 BC. Early societies acknowledged the significance of the winter solstice, recognizing the symbolic birth of the sun and the gradual lengthening of days. This concept of light triumphing over darkness became central to various belief systems, ultimately leading to the establishment of the Persian calendar by Hakim Omar Khayyam. His Solar Hijri calendar, still in use today, ensures precise calculations and accounts for leap years without the need for additional days.

Yalda Night’s customs are deeply rooted in Zoroastrian traditions, originally intended to protect people from malevolent forces during the longest night. Families and friends would gather, sharing the last fruits of summer and staying awake together, fostering unity and safeguarding against misfortune. While the religious aspects have diminished, the tradition of late-night gatherings persists in Iranian culture. Despite its ancient origins, Yalda Night continues to brighten the darkest nights, nurturing connections and preserving cultural heritage. As families gather, sharing laughter, stories, and delicacies, Yalda Night stands as a testament to the enduring power of tradition and the human spirit’s ability to find light even in the deepest darkness.